Dedicated to the fine and decorative arts, the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris's 8th arrondissement is well worth a visit. Formerly the mansion of a wealthy art-loving couple, it is an inspiring and inspiring place, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions not to be missed.
This original mansion was designed by architect Henri Parent at the end of the 19th century for Edouard André, a wealthy heir and art lover, and for his wife the artist Nélie Jacquemart. This couple of art collectors travelled Europe and the East to collect an impressive collection of paintings and furniture.
The works on display are paintings by French, Flemish and Dutch masters as well as Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture and tapestries. On the first floor, the original layout of which has been preserved, is dedicated to Italian Renaissance art with works by Bellini, Mantegna, Uccello and Botticelli.
This unique place in Paris also allows you to discover certain features of a 19th century bourgeois house such as the ceremonial salons, private apartments, the winter garden and a monumental staircase (crowned by a fresco of Giambattista Tiepolo).
After Nélie's death, the mansion became the property of the Institut de France. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1913 and now offers temporary exhibitions that are often very successful (such as the last ones dedicated to Rembrandt, Caravaggio or Mary Cassatt).
At the end of the tour, you can stop off in the beautiful tea room located in the couple's former dining room. You can sample delicious pastries made by the best Parisian pastry chefs or try the original menu specially adapted to the theme of each exhibition.
Want to discover another Parisian mansion transformed into a museum? The (too) little-known Maillol Museum is also not to be missed. Or, to extend your journey into the artistic 19th century, the Musée d'Orsay and the Grand Palais are absolutely essentials.
Valerie from Comme des Français
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